13 Best Places to See Salmon Spawning Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound
Photo:
Salmon in the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks swim past the viewing windows. Photo: iStock
Ballard Locks, Seattle
At the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, commonly known as the Ballard Locks, boats of all sizes ease in and out of Seattle’s ship canal. A few yards away, spawning salmon thrash their way up a 21-step fish ladder, which is actually more like a staircase of water.
From the refurbished viewing area, you can watch the salmon swim through the 18th “step” through underwater windows. Whether you spot a salmon or not, the Ballard Locks make a great destination for families any time of year.
Location: 3015 N.W. 54th St., Seattle
When to see salmon: Peak salmon viewing times are in May to September. Seattle Aquarium naturalists will be stationed at Ballard Locks on select Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Next spot: Blue Heron Park
